Hope & Comfort
Overview
Hope & Comfort is a nonprofit organization founded in 2011, dedicated to providing essential hygiene products to individuals in need, particularly in Massachusetts. Based in Needham Heights, Massachusetts, the organization was established by Jeff Feingold. Hope & Comfort's mission is to alleviate hygiene insecurity by ensuring communities have access to daily hygiene essentials such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant, which are not covered by programs like SNAP or WIC.
Recent Developments
- October 2024: Hope & Comfort launched the inaugural Hygiene Insecurity Awareness Week, supported by a Massachusetts state resolution. The event, held from October 6-12, aimed to distribute 500,000 hygiene products, raising awareness of hygiene insecurity affecting over 2.3 million Massachusetts residents.
- Partnerships: Hope & Comfort partnered with the New England Patriots Foundation and FLAG Flag Football to host event during this week, assembling 4,000 hygiene kits for local youths. Collaborations with Earth Breeze and Native helped provide essential products.
- Impact Progression: In 2024, Hope & Comfort distributed 5 million hygiene products, a significant increase from previous years. The organization has distributed a total of 14 million products since its inception.
- Ongoing Community Engagements: Partnering with over 500 community organizations, Hope & Comfort engages volunteers across Massachusetts to support their mission. In 2023, they supplied over 10,000 products to MassBay Community College, benefiting more than a thousand students.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Needham Heights, Massachusetts |
| Founders | Jeff Feingold |
| Key Investors | Cummings Foundation |
| Industry | Nonprofit Organizations |
| Number of Employees | 17 |
| Area Served | Massachusetts |
Early History
Hope & Comfort was founded in 2011 by Jeff Feingold with a mission to combat hygiene insecurity. What began as a birthday party request for donations rather than gifts revealed a significant unmet need for basic hygiene products. Initially focused locally, the organization quickly expanded its reach with growing awareness around hygiene insecurity, supported by collaborations with community partners to distribute essential products throughout Massachusetts.
Company Profile and Achievements
Hope & Comfort operates on a community-based distribution model, working closely with over 500 partner organizations to provide access to hygiene products. This model helps improve school attendance, employment opportunities, and personal dignity.
- **Significant Milestones: **
- In 2011, established as the only nonprofit in Massachusetts focused solely on distributing hygiene essentials.
- By 2024, distributed over 14 million hygiene products.
- Initiated the first-ever Hygiene Insecurity Awareness Week in 2024.
- Partnered with key entities like the New England Patriots Foundation, EARTH Breeze, and Native for product donations.
Current Operations and Market Position
Currently, Hope & Comfort is a leading nonprofit in Massachusetts solely dedicated to addressing hygiene insecurity. They engage community partners to distribute millions of hygiene products annually, enhancing the well-being and dignity of thousands of residents. Their operations significantly impact communities by providing essentials that government assistance programs often overlook.
Conclusion
Hope & Comfort serves as a crucial entity in addressing hygiene insecurity within Massachusetts. By constantly expanding their outreach and increasing product distribution, they have become a pivotal part of many communities, aiding in public health and personal dignity. With continued support from partnerships and volunteers, Hope & Comfort is poised to further its mission, aspiring towards a future where everyone has access to essential hygiene products.